Being "B"

Mexico, MO. Brennan “B” Wilson,16, was diagnosed with Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFC) when he was born. The rare genetic disorder affects about 300 people worldwide, and presents a range of health problems including heart and growth defects, skin and facial abnormalities, and weak muscle tone.

Most individuals with CFC syndrome have difficulty eating due to a defect in the persons jaw structure. B is fed four times a day via a feeding tube connected to his stomach, three times by hand and at night with a machine similar to an IV.

Brennan works with his mother Sam Wilson at Mexico’s YMCA and often helps his Grandparents with chores and other errands. Commonly he known as the “UPS Kid” by locals, because of his obsession with the delivery service. His stepfather Tiger outfitted his tricycle to look like a delivery truck.

However, the focus of this story is less of Brennan’s disability and the challenges it presents to his family, but of his ability and his unique role in his community. His story is an example of families endure and overcome hardship because of the values and community of small town rural America.